Ladybirds (Commonwealth English), also known as ladybugs (American English) or lady beetles (scientists favor this) are a family, Coccinellidae ("little sphere"), of beetles. Ladybirds are found worldwide, with over 4,500 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone. Ladybirds are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm, and are usually yellow, orange, or red with small black spots on their carapace[?], and black legs, head and feelers. As the family name suggests, they are usually quite round in shape.

Ladybirds are extremely beneficial to organic gardeners because they are carnivorous, consuming aphids, fruit flies, thrips[?], and other tiny plant-sucking insects that damage crops. In fact, their name is derived from "Beetle of Our Lady", recognizing their role in saving crops from destruction. Today they are commercially available from a variety of suppliers.

Adult ladybirds are able to reflex-bleed[?] from their leg joints. The blood is yellow, with a strong repellent smell, and is quite obvious when one handles a ladybird roughly.